Application and Summary of Advancement Flap in Repairing Lip Defects in Elderly Patients After Skin Cancer Surgery

Elderly patients prioritize functional repair over aesthetic lip beauty. In the reconstruction of lip defects following malignant tumor excision, the utilization of advancement flap is a widely employed repair technique. The authors' study provides a detailed list of methods for advancing the lip flap and compares the application characteristics of each method. In this retrospective study, lip advancement flap repairs in the authors' department from August 2022 to October 2024 were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 patients aged 65 to 86 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 4 underwent unilateral lateral advancement flap repair, 9 had bilateral lateral advancement flap repair, and 2 received chin push-up flap repair (1 case was a reoperation). All procedures were successful with a flap survival rate of 100%, and there were no infections or suppuration. Two patients experienced postoperative congestion at the tip of the flap; one involved slight retraction in a chin push-up flap case. No tumor recurrence was observed during the 6-month follow-up. Overall lip function showed good recovery, resulting in high satisfaction among patients and their families. The advancement flap has the characteristics of a simple surgical operation, flexible design, and high survival rate, and it may be a preferred option for elderly patients in repairing lip defects. In addition, the defect area, chin size, perioral tissue mobility, and oral fissure size are all crucial factors to consider when developing a surgical plan.